It is a bit too early for I-told-you-sos. Mikel Arteta has an awful lot of ground to cover and a great deal of coaching to do before anyone can be sure he will lead Arsenal back to the high ground.
Nevertheless, the new manager’s work so far has glimmered with searing intensity. Arteta has quickly instilled a group purpose and attitude that has already hoisted the team on to another level.
As a result, 2020 should prove a very exciting year because things will only improve over the coming months after Arteta’s introduction of a structured style that, crucially, has been embraced by the squad. Every pro hankers for guidance and direction. It makes them feel secure if a plan is in place. Now you can see that reassurance in everyone’s body language. The players have been rejuvenated by the gaffer’s gameplan.
On a wider level, the upturn in performance has pacified the doubters and thankfully removed the toxicity that had sadly taken hold at the Emirates.
We should not underestimate how difficult it is to radically change tack in the middle of a season. Trying to alter the habits of some seemingly set in their ways can go horribly wrong in the heat of battle.
As if to prove the point, the players are finding it hard from a physical standpoint to sustain the high energy pressing required by their boss. You saw that against Chelsea in the second half. The tank had run dry after so much hard running before the break.
A full pre-season is needed to refine tactics and get the lads properly in shape.
Funnily enough, Arsenal face another very fit side on Monday night in the shape of Leeds United, led by the inspirational and innovative Marcelo Bielsa. The FA Cup clash should make for compelling viewing as well as a reminder for some of the bruising heavyweight duels back in the 70s. More recently, it is difficult to forget our drawn out tie under George Graham.
Eddie Nketiah has been recalled by Arsenal from their third-round opponents after a tough time at Elland Road. I am sure he learnt a lot under Bielsa and he deserves a crack back at the Emirates.
When he went to Leeds, I was a little disappointed because it looked like he could have been useful in the squad but he has done well off the bench and got himself some goals. He will have come to terms with the physical aspect of the division and Arsenal will be getting back a more rounded, better player. It would be a shame to see Nketiah sent out on loan again - if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette get injured then you are a little short.
For Arteta, it is another step on the journey and a chance to move forward in a competition I am sure he would dearly love to win. Lifting this famous trophy in May would put down a marker. It would announce the Gunners as a serious force once more.
